Here you will find 36 questions commonly asked by those going through discouragement, depression and bipolar disorder. I have invited a panel of experts to address these questions. They are individuals who have experienced their own depressions and found answers. An author, a therapist and a NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill) expert join me as we share hope, knowledge and answers.

Question and Answers for Discouragement, Depression and Bipolar

By Patricia Potts, Kerri Ernsten, Darla Isackson and Peggy McFarland

I invited Kerri, Darla, and Peggy to join me on this panel discussion. Like me, they have all experienced discouragement and depression and/or mental illness.

Like the song I Am Woman declares "It is wisdom born of pain." We have all been-there/done-that and hope to help others who are there. Darla has been a professional writer, speaker, and editor for over 30 years. She currently writes for Meridian Magazine and edits a publication for seniors. She has shepherded over 200 books to publication. Her website can be found here. Darla’s most book, Trust God No Matter What, offers balm for some of life’s hardest dilemmas, most which she has experienced (including depression.) It is available through Meridian Magazine's website. Kerri works for NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill). She has been hospitalized for depression yet through the lessons she learned and the medication she now takes she lives a rich, full life as documented in the videoVOICE OF HOPE. Kerri now helps people who call NAMI for help. They are often in the middle-of-the-muddle. Peggy has a BSW from Brigham Young University, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She is the author of a book entitled "Becoming Women of Strength." She is also an aromatherapy specialist, a Reiki practitioner, and a specialist in energy psychology techniques. She has also written a curriculum called "Healthy Transitions" for girls, grades 4-8 to develop positive body image during the transition through puberty. Her program helps young girls develop good self-esteem. Peggy is a dynamic woman determined to make a difference. You can learn more about Peggy's work at her website The Light Point Healing Center

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1. How can I know if I am experiencing normal discouragement or depression?
2. What are some ideas I can use to get feeling happier?
3. If I find that I fit under the depression category should I have my doctor prescribe medication?
4. I feel guilty and unworthy most of the time.  Somehow I believe that I will improve myself by reprimanding myself. When I do something wrong I indulge in emotional self-beating such as “I knew better!  I can’t believe I can be so stupid.”  This seems to cast me into guilt gully where all I can see is the negative and I can’t seem to climb out.  Any ideas?
5. When I feel too tired to do anything, how do I know when I need rest and when I need exercise?
6. I feel like my prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and going nowhere. I feel lost. What can I do? Do others feel this way?
7. Some people say that if I’m feeling depressed it is because I’m not serving enough.  They say that if I serve more I’ll get out of my depression yet it doesn’t seem to help.  I also feel isolated and alone yet I don’t want to be around others.  When do I need to force myself to interact with others?
8. I’ve got your book and have read it, Patricia, but sometimes I   have a hard time finding helpful stories etc..  Is there an index available?
9. I hate to make decisions yet there are decisions to be made.  What do I do?
10. How do I know when to push myself into outside responsibilities and when to focus on myself?
11. How much introspection is too much?  How can I know the balance?
12. What are the main signs of bipolar?
13. If I let others know that I am bipolar, won’t that close opportunities for me?
14. I love the “high” feeling and don’t want to give it up
15. I've read that there's a 5 % chance of a person not having a recurring episode.  Are those same probabilities the same for kids?  My son really hopes that he doesn't have another episode and wants off of the meds. 
16. My teenage son needs support.  Where can I find good, positive support for him?
17. I'm looking for success stories of people who live with bipolar disorder.  I know they must be out there because there are several million people in the U.S. living with this.  Specifically, do you know of any teens who are successfully managing their illness? 
18. My psychiatrist is starting my son off of seroquel and keeping depakote in place.  The website mentioned that may be too soon to be taking him off of meds.  What's your take on that? 
19. As a parent of a bipolar teen I feel like I’m going crazy sometimes.  Where can I get support?
20. I'm looking for alternatives to meds.  I've heard of EmPower Plus, but have read both good and bad things about it.    Have you heard of that?   I know that sleep, exercise, and diet are real keys.  My son has been to a dietician and she's been really helpful with the side effects of some of the meds.   I just want to do all I can to keep this stability going in his life.  I realize that may be impossible.
21. Is there any way I can stay sane once I am stabilized?
22. Sometimes I feel that being bipolar is a curse.  I feel it is not fair.
23. What if a loved one (daughter, son, wife, mother, etc.) is displaying actions that could be seriously dangerous to her/him self or me, and they won't get help?
24. What if a loved one is displaying actions that show serious mental illness, could be dangerous, and is in denial or wont get help and we know they need hospital treatment?
25. How do you know where the line is drawn, when it comes to a person who is mentally ill; when they are dangerous or not dangerous?
26. What if you or a loved one is having  signs of serious mental illness, for example, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and have no money or insurance and need help now?
27. As a consumer, and I check myself into a psych ward/hospital, and by law, after 72 hrs., I can check myself out when I want--is this true?
28. If I or a loved one are suicidal, to the point that I/they need close monitoring at a hospital, why is it that when I/they went to a facility and the Dr. released me/them that day or the next day?
29. What if I don't have a job, no insurance and no money and I need treatment for my mental illness?
30. What if I have applied for SSI/SSDI and got turned down. Is there anything I can do?
31. What if I just got out of jail/prison, am clean, and ready to get a job, but employers do a back ground check.  Are there any options?
32. What if I am a young, single mother and/or just got out of jail and am homeless.  Are there any options for housing?  Do I have to be on the waiting list which is one to two years?
33. What if I am mentally ill don't have a job and want to go back to school?

Question and Answers for Discouragement

1. How can I know if I am experiencing normal discouragement or depression?
A. Darla

I can quickly rise above normal discouragement by changing my focus from negative to positive. Reading scriptures, listening to inspiring music, or watching a good movie pulls me out of it and helps me maintain a happier feeling. However, if I’m dealing with a chemical imbalance, the change of focus helps only for the duration of the activity. The instant my focus on the song, movie, or scripture ends, I feel the overwhelming darkness again. Most recently I received tremendous help from a chemical imbalance through neuro-science natural supplements which help normalize the neuro-transmitter levels. After week one of the six-week regime, I began to feel normal happy feelings again. I was referred to the testing and the supplements by a nurse practitioner, but anyone can access the tests on the web site:  neurorelief.com and order the supplements which the tests indicate you need by on the Neuro Science web site.

A. Peggy


It is completely normal for us to experience periods of discouragement or “the blues,” as we confront the challenges of our lives.  This is especially true when we face situations that we don’t presently know how to resolve.  Each person can learn to know their own “warning signs” and know when they need to take time for some self-care or seek help.  For me, when I begin to feel disconnected from my emotions and have that emotionally “flat” feeling, I know that I am “stuffing” emotions and need to address them or else I will begin to head into that slippery slope toward depression.  It is my experience and my belief that often depression comes from painful emotional issues that we don’t want to address or don’t know how to address.  The harder we try to be “normal” and put these feelings aside, the more we risk sinking into depression.

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2. What are some ideas I can use to get feeling happier?
A. Patricia

Generally I feel much better after prayer and doing cognitive therapy, as explained on myvideo. See this video. If those things don’t make me feel better, I look through my box containing nice letters people have written to me or use talk therapy with a friend. I also use  ideas from the Quick List for discouragement, depression or bipolar which you can access from the 'Free Downloads' link in the left menu.

A. Peggy

I use an energy psychology “meridian tapping” technique known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and energy exercises each day, throughout the day.  This helps me to release stress and helps me to stay connected to the flow of “energy” or “light” that comes from our Creator.  I discuss these research-supported techniques on my website at The Light Point Healing Center EFT and honest prayer and very important tools for me.

I also use essential oils because they have the ability to support us physically, spiritually, and emotionally in very powerful ways.

I have a good working relationship with my physician and she supports the alternative therapies that I use and is knowledgeable about the benefits of mind-body therapies.  We need to acknowledge that our bodies and our spirits are inseparably connected and that grief, unresolved hurts and traumas, and other emotionally issues can contribute to pain, chemical imbalances, and other diseases we experience in our bodies.  I personally choose professionals who support a holistic approach.  One of my favorite ways to address emotions when I am feeling “stuck” is to have a good therapeutic massage.

I also find that I need to plan to spend time doing something FUN and relaxing each day, rather than filling my day with so many “have-to-dos.”  This is not easy for any one of us with busy lives, but it is important.  I have used over-working as a way to mask emotional pain that needed to be addressed, so I pay attention to the need to have recreation.

What I eat plays a HUGE role in how I feel.  Anytime I indulge in sugary sweets I notice that I feel “down.”  My body really lets me know that it wants to be fed whole grains and fresh fruits and veggies everyday.

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3. If I find that I fit under the depression category should I have my doctor prescribe medication?
A. Patricia

This is a very personal question and not an easy one to answer.  Generally I have found that it is best to try alternative methods initially.  Try a combination of natural remedies and journaling first. Many of these ideas can be found in my quick list in the Free Downloads.  In addition, some people get better being in the sun, taking vitamin B pills or shots, attending a support group or seeking professional help.  References are available under Helpful Links in the left menu.  If these ideas don’t help, then you may need to give your neuron-transmitters a jump start.  Check Darla’s idea on natural supplements for building up your body’s ability to balance the neuro-transmitters.  Or you may require medication for a time.  Unless you are dealing with a serious mental illness, you may only need to take medication for  a few months.

A. Peggy

I do not believe that medication should be given without attention to the emotional aspects of depression.  Medication is not a cure-all, but it can provide relief that allows us time and space to learn new tools for daily coping.  Depression can be a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know ourselves and our personal needs.  We can learn to care for ourselves in new ways, to become more honest, and to learn  how to set the boundaries that keep us healthier.

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4. I feel guilty and unworthy most of the time.  Somehow I believe that I will improve myself by reprimanding myself. When I do something wrong I indulge in emotional self-beating such as “I knew better!  I can’t believe I can be so stupid.”  This seems to cast me into guilt gully where all I can see is the negative and I can’t seem to climb out.  Any ideas?
A. Patricia

I understand that gully.  I’ve taken up residency there too often.  Guilt multiplies and sucks out hope faster than most anything. I have found that the best way to avoid the gully is

Plan A: Recognize that I’m headed there and take an about face:
• Pray and ask God to cast Satan far from me
• Do cognitive therapy.  This is discussed in the last 15 pages of my book. A form is also on my website as a Free Download and a demonstration about how to do cognitive therapy is in the Videos.
• Take an herbal supplement.



I don’t sell this but I have been using a natural product for a few years now that helps me with anxiety(not that I ever have any reason to be anxious!)  It comes out of a company in Orem and is called “Neurozone.”  When I order they ship it out in a few days.  It costs about $38.00 with shipping and lasts me about 3 months. Their number is 1-800-529-4715 if you are interested.

Plan B: Fortune telling, mind-reading and self-blaming are like dark glasses we wear clouding our ability to see clearly. Talk to a trusted friend or therapist.  They are often able to help us take the glasses off and see clearly again.

A. Darla

I’ve come to believe that the most important thing I can do to avoid depression is to be kind to myself. Reprimanding myself, berating myself, beating myself up for not doing better is totally counter-productive, yet I’ve had plenty of experience with it too. One of the best things I’ve found to help me avoid those things is reminding myself of the scripture where Christ says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . . ye have done it unto me.”  (Matthew 25:40) Surely I am one of the least of these, and I can get instant motivation to repent of being unkind and unforgiving to myself by realizing that the Savior loves me and wants me to be kind to myself—that when I hurt and belittle myself he feels it as strongly as if I were hurting and belittling Him.

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5. My daughter is depressed. She won’t admit it but she just doesn’t want to do anything. She is also often ornery and irritated. What can I do?
A. Peggy

When we are depressed we can lose our ability for self-care.  Often this comes from a belief that we don’t deserve to feel better or to take care of ourselves.  One way you can support your daughter is to focus on the things that she is able to do; nagging about her lack of functioning and being fearful will only reinforce her self-defeating thoughts.  There are good resources for a person to discover the warning signs of depression.  She may be able to read something from an “official” pamphlet and be more open than from hearing about depression from a family member.

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6. My spouse is depressed.  He is cold and non-responsive. He is often angry with me. Nothing I do seems to help. What can I do?
A. Peggy

First, I am concerned for YOU.  How are you handling the lack of catharsis and joy you are experiencing in your marriage? You may be experiencing so many emotions that are normal in a situation like this:  a sense of loss, grief, anger, guilt, bewilderment. What are you doing to care for your own emotional needs?  You are going to need to be in a good place yourself in order to know how to help your husband.  At some point, he may recognize that you miss connecting with him in tender, joyful ways and that he deserves to be happier. In the meantime, you need to make sure that you have good support systems.

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7. How can I know what part of my problem is physical and what part is emotionally based?
A. Patricia

I find that the problem is generally a combination of physical, spiritual, mental and emotional.  See the Free Downloads for ideas.  If you have tried these and still have a hard time functioning I would suggest getting an appt. with a psychiatrist to evaluate the possibility of a mental illness.  I found that asking others to pray for me prior to my appointment helped also. For reference and referrals, see Helpful Links

A. Peggy

There are some serious physical illnesses that cause depression.  A thorough physical examination from your doctor is always recommended as a first step.  I agree with Patricia, however, that depression is most often a combination of factors.  We are holistic beings and we need treatments that address the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of disease.

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8. When I feel too tired to do anything, how do I know when I need rest and when I need exercise?
A. Patricia

My therapist once told me that emotional workouts are 10 times more exhausting than physical ones.  I have found this to be true. Just knowing this info. helps me be less self-critical.  You can also try peppermint oil on the back of your ears or a vitamin supplement.  If you are still tired try a 5 minute walk, then evaluate whether it helped or hurt.  If it helps I  continue for 20 minutes.  If it hurts (makes me even more tired), I rest.

A. Peggy

This is an interesting question.  I ask myself this often.  Exercise often increases my energy level; yet when I am stressed or feeling down, I feel so drained.  I want to rest, but am too restless.  It feels like a vicious cycle.

If I am feeling too fatigued to do my usual exercise routine, I don’t beat myself up for it.  I try taking a pleasurable walk—just for the pleasure and not because I am supposed to be exercising.  This helps release some of the tension from my body and helps me rest better, but doesn’t wear me out like an exercise routine.

I have some “energy exercises” on my website at The Light Point Healing Center that energizes the body without any physical exertion at all.  I highly recommend using these daily.  They are absolutely safe for everyone and have unlimited benefits!

A. Darla

When I really don’t know whether I need exercise or rest, I ask my body. How? Through a technique similar to muscle testing that really seems to work for me. I stand up, close my eyes and say something like, “exercise would be the most beneficial thing for my body right now.” If I feel my body pulled forward, that is a “yes.”  If I seem to be pulled backward, the answer is “no.” When I act according to the answers I get when I ask my body, I always seem to benefit.

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9. I feel like my prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and going nowhere. I feel lost. What can I do? Do others feel this way?A. Patricia

   I can understand how you feel.  I’ve certainly felt that way as well.  When I feel my prayers are going nowhere I find it helpful to read scriptures or inspirational material or call a friend that I trust and even ask “Please tell me I’m going to get through this and tell me I’m an o.k. person”.  It is also helpful to remember Bible stories like Jonah in the whale and recall that he was freed when the time was right.  I will be also. 

   A. Darla

   When I don’t feel immediate answers, I remind myself that  many times the answer is there, but I’m avoiding hearing it because it is “no” or “not yet” when I want it to “yes” and “now!”  I also remember that when my neuro-transmitters are out of balance, I can’t “feel” the Spirit, and have to rely on the many times I’ve felt it in the past. I know that God doesn’t change His mind—that He loves me just as much now as ever, and that answers will surely be more evident soon if I just hang on and keep praying.

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10. Some people say that if I’m feeling depressed it is because I’m not serving enough.  They say that if I serve more I’ll get out of my depression yet it doesn’t seem to help.  I also feel isolated and alone yet I don’t want to be around others.  When do I need to force myself to interact with others?
A. Patricia

I have found that the answer to this one is found through living one prayer at a time seeking to know what God would have me do hour by hour.  God has counseled us “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”  Sometimes I need to do the AS THYSELF part.  I feel it is time to give service to myself (There is a neat story about this in my book page 115.)  Other times I find joy in loving my neighbor in quick, simple acts of service such as writing a card or sharing some treat helps me open the doors of heaven without requiring me to be around others.  It is often the small, simple things that don’t require interaction work best.

A. Peggy

The need to have quiet, reflective time and the temptation to isolate myself is something I deal with often.  There are some days when being around a lot of people is just too stimulating for me and other days when I can’t wait to share time with friends.  I have to respect my limitations.  I have to experiment and learn from trial and error too.  Giving service is such an important part of my mental health.  It reinforces that fact that I have something to offer others and that brings me so much joy.  However, giving service is not a substitute for a personal connection with the Savior.  I cannot use giving service as a way to run from emotions and problems that I am afraid to discuss with God.

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11. I’ve got your book and have read it, Patricia, but sometimes I have a hard time finding helpful stories etc...  Is there an index available?
A. Patricia

Yes.  It can be found on PatriciaPotts.com

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12. I hate to make decisions yet there are decisions to be made.  What do I do?
A. Patricia

I recall my difficulty in making decisions.  One night I went to Sizzlers and ended up in tears when I couldn’t decide what to order.  I found that it was helpful to have a loved one choose for me for a while.  This gave me the freedom to focus on my recovery more than my menus.

A. Peggy

When I feel paralyzed to make a decision, it is often because I am afraid I will make the wrong choice.  I can give myself permission to make a mistake:  “Even if I make the wrong choice, I can still accept myself.”  Meridian tapping or EFT is an excellent self-help tool to help in these situations.  I discuss these simple, but powerful tools on my website at The Help Point Healing Center

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13. How do I know when to push myself into outside responsibilities and when to focus on myself?
A. Patricia

I recall once when my husband asked me when I could start dong laundry again. I came unglued!  Once again I believe that honest communication with our loved ones is essential then living one prayer at a time is most helpful (This is described in my book pg. 59-62) I also asked my loved one (my husband) to act as a shield.  He helped me see when to say yes and when to say no.

A. Peggy

This is a great question.  It gets to the heart of one of my ongoing challenges:  the battle between what I wish I could accomplish and what I am able to accomplish and still stay healthy.   I truly want to be able to meet the needs of my loved ones in a generous way; but, I have found that if I overdo it and don’t respect my limitations, it doesn’t take long before I am frazzled, resentful, and self-abusing.  One of the most important coping skills I can learn is how to ask for help from those around me.  Rather than resent my limitations, I am learning that I am giving a chance for others to serve and stretch too when I ask for more support.  Part of good mental health for me is also a “let go and let God” attitude.  I have to ask Him to take care of the things I just can’t accomplish and ask for help to let go throughout the day.  We can’t forget too that we have the promises of angels to nurture and help us in our daily tasks!  Just ask.

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14. How much introspection is too much?  How can I know the balance?
A. Patricia

I live in Utah and there are times when it rains and rains in our area, other times it is dry for days on end.  For me depression was my time to let it rain.  I once heard that the richest fertilizer is found in the valley of despair. I found that doing cognitive therapy 4-5 times a day (lots of introspection) during the depths of depression allowed me to mine the fertilizer I needed for recovery.  I was blessed because some days my mother-in-law helped with the kids, other days the kids played or watch T.V. while I processed fertilizer through writing in my journal.  These days I only do cognitive therapy 4-5 times a month! 

A. Peggy

I heard in a 12-step meeting once that we can get too much of our own “stinkin’ thinkin’.”  I pay attention to my mood.  If I am cycling in negative thinking, it is definitely time to find some good company.

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15. What are the main signs of bipolar?
Patricia

Simply put, if you are experiencing manic symptoms (racing thoughts, grandiose ideas, difficulty sleeping etc.) followed by depression (guilt, anxiety, frustration, fear etc.) you probably want to be evaluated for bipolar.  There are 5 kinds of bipolar. When I am suffering with bipolar my moods can go from high to low all within one day- it is termed as rapid cycling.  Some people have the kind of bipolar that makes them believe they are superman and believe they can jump off a high building and fly.  A good psychiatrist can help you evaluate your specific problem and the best remedy.

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16. If I let others know that I am bipolar, won’t that close opportunities for me?
Patricia

This is tough.  Our son is in the military and the label “bipolar” could close doors for him.  Still, I believe that accepting our illness and not being ashamed of it is part of being able to rebuild and live a productive life (See my book 41-44)

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17. I love the “high” feeling and don’t want to give it up
Patricia

Although I am on medication I still experience many excited, happy feelings.  My psychiatrist said that the highs wouldn’t be as high and the lows not as low.   I have found this to be true.

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18. I've read that there's a 5 % chance of a person not having a recurring episode.  Are those same probabilities the same for kids?  My son really hopes that he doesn't have another episode and wants off of the meds. 
Patricia

I kept thinking I could do without medicine.  Three times I had major relapses before I made a life time decision to stay on meds.  Although the relapses were difficult they served a purpose.  I just know that for me, continuous medication has been necessary.  I have done a You Tube about it which can be found here.

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19. My teenage son needs support.  Where can I find good, positive support for him?
Patricia

Online support includes Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation  and Patients Like Me. I joined PLM (Patients like Me )as an adult bipolar patient and I was impressed with the support there was in the forum.  It was positive and helpful.  You may find some good success stories there.  Other groups include Alanon teen groups and NAMI groups. See Helpful Links.  Another way is to go to the high school counselor and begin a support group through the school.  Facebook has a group as well called Children and Teens Suffering from Bipolar and Depression.

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20. I'm looking for success stories of people who live with bipolar disorder.  I know they must be out there because there are several million people in the U.S. living with this.  Specifically, do you know of any teens who are successfully managing their illness? 
Patricia

Currently I am not aware of a teen to refer you to but I will ask for feedback in my next newsletter.  Often the people who are doing support groups are those who can offer success stories.  There are several other links through Facebook.  One of them is known as Children and Teens Suffering from Bipolar and Depression.

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21. My psychiatrist is starting my son off of Seroquel and keeping Depakote in place.  The website mentioned that may be too soon to be taking him off of meds.  What's your take on that? 
Patricia

It sounds like it is time to dialogue with your psychiatrist.  Ask him about what the web is indicating.  A good psychiatrist will be willing to listen to your questions and concerns without becoming defensive.

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22. As a parent of a bipolar teen I feel like I’m going crazy sometimes.  Where can I get support?
Patricia

I found that my son’s counselor was a wonderful person to have on our teen.  He was even willing to set up phone conferences with me and let me vent then he gave helpful suggestions. I also found support in 12 step groups.  You can find more information about these under Helpful Links.

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23. I'm looking for alternatives to meds.  I've heard of EmPower Plus, but have read both good and bad things about it.    Have you heard of that?   I know that sleep, exercise, and diet are real keys.  My son has been to a dietician and she's been really helpful with the side effects of some of the meds.   I just want to do all I can to keep this stability going in his life.  I realize that may be impossible. 
Patricia

I hadn’t heard of EmPower but it may be good.  I have added some supplements to my medication as needed.  There is an herbal supplement (described above) I take whenever I begin to feel anxiety and feel like I want to climb walls. Peggy also has some great alternative ideas The Light Point Healing Center. I’m not sure about finding something that would take the place of bipolar medication.  As for myself, there has been no real substitute, only supplements.

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24. Is there any way I can stay sane once I am stabilized?
Patricia

I began my monthly newsletter to help myself and others stay sane and supported.  Although I have had major relapses, once I remained on my medicine and have been willing to include God, do cognitive therapy and pay attention to other healthy ideas as can be found in the Free Downloads. There are other “maintaining” ideas at the back of my book which is available through my website. You may want to take these ideas and create a list of your own. When you begins to feel mania it is time to reevaluate sleep, how busy you are and time to have a good talk with someone about what you are thinking about are your thoughts racing or normal?. 

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25. Sometimes I feel that being bipolar is a curse.  I feel it is not fair.
Patricia

A doctor once told me that bipolar people are among the "cream of the crop"- Abraham Lincoln was bipolar along with many other successful people. Check out this list!  Although it has been horrible at times I now believe that my bipolar illness is a gift.  I sleep less than most people (however I have to be careful and make myself sleep enough), I am generally enthusiastic, I have a desire to make a difference in the world and I am more aware of my emotions and take processing them seriously (many people sweep emotions under the rug.)  I know that God gives to each of us what we need in this life with the right tools, commitment, medication and miracles I am living a full life (my great grandmother died in an insane asylum.)  I am most blessed. I hope you find your blessings amidst your bipolar illness as well.

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26. What if a loved one (daughter, son, wife, mother, etc.) is displaying actions that could be seriously dangerous to her/him self or me, and they won't get help?
Kerri

Call the dispatch/police (Salt Lake City # 801-799-3000) and ask for a CIT officer to come and assess the situation.  CIT officers have been trained on how to deal with someone who is mentally ill.

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27.   What if a loved one is displaying actions that show serious mental illness, could be dangerous, and is in denial or wont get help and we know they need hospital treatment?
Kerri

As a family member, you have the right to "blue sheet" them into treatment/hospital.  Call a peace officer, have them come and assess the situation.

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28. How do you know where the line is drawn, when it comes to a person who is mentally ill; when they are dangerous or not dangerous?
Kerri

If you FEEL that you or someone else is in danger and they are serious about it, call dispatch and ask for a CIT trained officer.Back to top

29. What if you or a loved one is having signs of serious mental illness, for example, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and have no money or insurance and need help now?
Kerri

Kerri- You can go to any hospital with a psychiatric ward to the emergency room, and by law they have to treat you.

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30. As a consumer, and I check myself into a psych ward/hospital, and by law, after 72 hrs. I can check myself out when I want--is this true?
Kerri

The law DOES state that you may check yourself out after 72 hrs.  However, there are laws/rights that the Doctors have, that if they feel you need to be in there longer, there are "loop-holes" they can manipulate to keep you there as long as they think you need.

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31. If I or a loved one are suicidal, to the point that I/they need close monitoring at a hospital, why is it that when I/they went to a facility and the Dr. released me/them that day or the next day?
Kerri

Every case is different, but Doctors say that a lot of the time, suicidal tendencies or feelings come and go so rapidly, that if the Dr. feels they are safe and no longer a danger to themselves, they will discharge you.

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32. What if I don't have a job, no insurance and no money and I need treatment for my mental illness?
Kerri

Contact NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Salt Lake number is 801-323-9900.  There are more than several places where you can find a psychiatrist, medications for just $5.00/ month/med.  And there are places where you can go to get counseling either free or on a sliding scale.  Do this ASAP--for some of the free med. programs, there is a one to 5 month waiting list, and it is better to start the process now.

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33. What if I have applied for SSI/SSDI and got turned down.  Is there anything I can do?
Kerri

Contact NAMI, or a lawyer; they will not charge you anything unless you win, up to 25%, not to exceed $6,000.00.Back to top

34. What if I just got out of jail/prison, am clean, and ready to get a job, but employers do a back ground check.  Are there any options?
Kerri

YES. There is what is called the "Bonding Program."  In order to be eligible you have to attempt to get a job, and if they turn you down, contact the Department of Work Force Services, (Salt Lake #801- 524-9000.)  They will set you up with an employment counselor.

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35. What if I am a young, single mother and/or just got out of jail and am homeless.  Are there any options for housing?  Do I have to be on the waiting list which is one to two years?
Kerri

YES & NO.  (This is S.L.C. info) People who are homeless are first priority (whether you have been incarcerated or not). Contact Bob Seebans from the Road Home, #801-558-6870.  There is a family and crisis shelter available.  They will set you up with a case manager.  Another contact is Lu Johnson who works for County Housing Authority, # 801-284-4439.  To go through her, you must be referred by Road Home, Valley Mental Health, a substance abuse facility, Orange Street, etc.  Mothers with children are first priority.  Also, get on line and go to UDVC.org.

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36. What if I am mentally ill don't have a job and want to go back to school?
Kerri

Call Vocational Rehabilitation, (Salt Lake # 801-538-7530.)  If you qualify for higher education, they will cover tuition, books, provide you with a school counselor and therapist if needed.